In a deeply disturbing incident, a female student from Fakir Mohan College in Balasore, Odisha, set herself on fire on campus after alleging prolonged sexual harassment by a senior faculty member and a lack of action from the college authorities. Eyes Of Lagos reports,

The student, enrolled in the integrated B.Ed programme, had filed a formal complaint on July 1, accusing the Head of Department, Samir Kumar Sahu, of persistently demanding sexual favors and threatening to sabotage her academic career if she refused.

Despite being promised action within seven days, the institution reportedly failed to take any meaningful steps.

🔥 Tragic Protest Turns Violent

On Saturday, during a student-led protest at the college gate, the victim reportedly ran toward a building near the principal’s office, poured petrol on herself, and set herself ablaze.

A fellow student who rushed in to save her sustained 70% burn injuries. Both victims are now receiving emergency medical care.

A video circulating online shows the girl engulfed in flames, sprinting down a corridor as bystanders frantically try to help, prompting national outrage and calls for accountability.

⚖️ Authorities Respond, Arrests Made

Following the incident:

• Samir Kumar Sahu was arrested.

• Both the teacher and the college principal were suspended.

• Odisha’s Higher Education Minister confirmed that strict disciplinary and legal actions would follow.

• An official investigation has been launched, with police collecting forensic evidence from the scene.

The principal confirmed that she spoke with both the victim and the accused earlier that day, but both had “stuck to their statements.”

🚨 A Call for Institutional Accountability

This incident has reignited debates about sexual harassment in educational institutions and the failure of administrative systems to protect students. Activists and students across India are demanding tougher laws, swifter investigations, and better support systems for harassment victims in colleges.